In-Home Care in Georgia

Warm weather and excellent tax breaks for seniors are two reasons why Georgia was ranked one of the top states in the country to retire. As of 2021, over 1.5 million seniors call the state home. This could be in part because seniors aged 65 and older receive a tax exclusion of $65,000 per person, and Social Security isn’t taxed.

Atlanta is home to one of the top ranked hospitals in the nation and the number one hospital in the state: Emory University Hospital, which specializes in cardiac ICU, orthopedics and geriatrics. In Gainesville, Northeast Georgia Medical Center is also top ranked in Georgia for its cardiac care. For long-term care at home, seniors can choose in-home care, which offers nonclinical at-home assistance. Home health aides offer the same service with skilled nursing and medical care included. As of 2021, the cost of in-home care in Georgia was $4,290 per month.

This guide covers the cost of in-home care throughout the state and an overview of other long-term care costs. It also includes a list of resources for seniors who want to age in place.

When it comes to the cost of in-home care, Georgia has one of the lowest rates in the region at $4,290 per month, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. The national average is $4,957. South Carolina has a median cost of $4,433, and Tennessee residents pay around $4,576. Florida has one of the highest costs of neighboring states at $4,767, and Alabama has one of the lowest costs at $3,813.

In-home care costs in Georgia vary depending on the location and the needs of the individual. Rome and Augusta have similar costs at $4,576 and $4,528 per month, respectively, while seniors in Brunswick pay slightly less at $4,481. Atlanta and Valdosta residents can expect to pay more than the state average at $4,290 and $4,195, respectively. Along the east coast in Savannah, seniors pay approximately $4,767 per month.

In-home care is ideal for seniors who own their own home and prefer to age in place for as long as possible. This option for long-term care costs seniors in Georgia around $4,290 per month. For home care that includes skilled nursing, the cost goes up to around $4,385. Adult day health care, at $1,300, is the least expensive option for those who only need help during the day, and an assisted living community costs around $3,535. Nursing homes are the most expensive type of long-term care, with a semiprivate room costing around $7,011 per month.

Georgia Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of in-home care directly, but there are three separate waiver programs that help seniors pay for specific services regarding in-home care. These waivers include the Elderly and Disabled Waiver program, the Service Options Using Resources in a Community and the Non-Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services program.

To apply for Medicaid in Georgia, submit an application online through the Georgia Gateway or over the phone at (877) 423-4746. Applications may be submitted in person through a county Division of Family Children Services Office (DFSC). Paper applications can be mailed after downloading the appropriate forms and signing and mailing them to Georgia Families, PO Box 1096, Atlanta, GA 30303-9997. They may also be faxed to (866) 482-3676.

What Information You Will Need

When applying for state Medicaid, there are documents and information you need to have on hand. This includes:

• A Social Security number for each applicant and a copy of their birth certificates.
• A government-issued photo ID is needed and proof of citizenship.
• Paycheck stubs and other proof of income for the past four weeks for income verification
• Awards letters from Social Security, veterans’ benefits, retirements, pensions, unemployment and other sources.
• Documents with information about assets and current insurance policies.

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)